Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress.

Learning as Transformation: Critical Perspectives on a Theory in Progress. Jack Mezirow Part Two, Fostering Transformative Learning in Practice; and Part Three, Moving from Practice to Theory-Analyzing the Research. The preface is an interesting presentation of the theoretical development of this approach to learning and early influences of other disciplines. Mezirow begins Part One presenting a conceptual and theoretical framework for transformative learning. The focus of transformative learning is the process of individuals learning to act on their own values and beliefs, rather than on those assimilated from others, thus gaining greater control over their lives as socially responsible, clear thinking decision-makers. Transformative learning theorists use of reference to describe complex webs of assumptions, expectations, and values that act as filters through which we view the world and ourselves. Whereas instrumental learning is confined to adding only those ideas that are compatible to already existing frames of reference, transformative learning is described as a reformulation of these frames through a process of critical reflection. Transformations may be sudden and dramatic with reorienting insight, or they may be incremental, with a progressive series of transformations over time. These theorists suggest the result is not only a significant change in life perspective, but it is an actualization of that perspective. …